Painters, carpenters and home renovators who renovates will benefit by attending a training Aug. 10 in Macon that will explain new Environmental Protection Agency regulations for lead-based paints.

Offered by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and Greenville Tech, the training will be held from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Central Georgia Technical College. The EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule took effect April 22 and affects contractors, property managers and others who work in housing or childcare centers built before 1978.

Participants will learn how to minimize lead dust generation and soil contamination during maintenance, renovation and remodeling projects. Following these procedures will reduce the risk of lead exposure to employees, children and residents.

Participants in the class will perform hands-on activities and be tested at the end of the class. Those who earn a passing score will be certified as renovators, a certification that is valid for five years.

The cost of the course is $260 and is limited to the first 20 registrants. For more information, or to register, go to the website www.fcs.uga.edu/ext/housing/training/lead_training.php.

(April R. Sorrow is a science writer with the University of Georgia Public Affairs Office.)